1. Implementing California’s
Safely Surrendered Baby Law
in Solano County

2. Introduction
More than 133 newborns were abandoned nationally over the past four years by their mothers who had nowhere to turn.
33 died before or soon after recovery.

3. California’s Safely Surrendered Baby Law
The Law allows an adult to surrender an infant (72 hours or younger) to any firefighter on duty at any one of our fire stations, or personnel on duty at a hospital emergency department.

4. A Life-Saving Alternative
The Law gives parents a place to turn to, without fear of prosecution for abandonment, as long as the newborn has not been physically abused or neglected.
The County’s Department of Children and Family Services finds a loving adoptive home for the child.

5. Development of Safely Surrendered Baby Law
September 1999: Texas becomes first state to pass “Safe Haven” legislation, providing a model for 33 other states.
January 2001: California enacted the Safely Surrendered Baby Law.

6. Safely Surrendered Baby Law in Solano County
The Solano County Board of Supervisors adopted resolution recently 2010.
The Cordelia Fire District has also adopted resolution.

7. Public Information Campaign Efforts
IDENTITY: Safely Surrendered Baby Law Campaign logo designed and placed on all public information materials.
SITES: Logo is placed out front of the fire station as the designated Safe Surrender Site.
WEBSITE:

8. 24-Hour Hotline (877) BABY-SAFE
40 professionals available to explain law in more than languages.
Mothers planning to abandon their newborns can call SSB Hotline to finding the closest designated Safe Surrender Site.

9. Fire Department Procedures
Welcome surrendering adult. Do not be judgmental (this is an emotional and difficult time for the person).
Ascertain that the infant is under 72 hours or younger. Accept the infant (even if it appears older than 72 hours) and begin to assess for any medical needs.
Notify Dispatch of a still alarm at the station and request an ambulance to respond.
Initiate an EMS report on the infant.

10. Procedures (continued)
Locate and open the Newborn Safely Surrendered Kit. Hand surrendering person the inner business reply mail envelope containing the Safely Surrendered Baby medical questionnaire, an information sheet and a copy of the coded, confidential bracelet. Place the smaller coded, confidential ankle bracelet on the infant and record the code on the EMS report.
If in the station, the on-duty paramedic or EMT shall assume custody of the infant, assess, and provide for any medical needs of the infant.

11. Procedures (continued)
The Paramedic or EMTshall accompany the infant to the receiving hospital and transfer custody to a designated hospital employee. Paramedics or EMT will notify the Solano County Child Welfare Services Department (SCCWSD) while at the receiving hospital. The receiving hospital will take custody of the infant, and make phone notification with (SCCWSD)
If a Paramedic or EMT is not in the station, then a department member shall accompany the infant to the hospital.
The Duty Chief shall be notified of the situation.

12. The Safe Surrender Kit
An envelope identified as “Newborn Safe Surrender Kit” containing: 1. Cordelia Fire District Safe Haven Procedure sheet. 2. Coded, confidential ankle bracelet for the infant. 3. Business reply mail return envelope containing: a. Safe Surrender medical questionnaire (English/Spanish) b. Information Sheet (English/Spanish) c. Matching coded, confidential bracelet

13. Rights of Surrendering Parent
Procedure to Reclaim Custody:
Uniquely coded, confidential ankle bracelets facilitate reclamation of child.
If the person who surrendered custody requests return of the child while still in the custody of the hospital, the hospital shall return the child, unless hospital suspects abuse or neglect.

14. Rights of Surrendering Parent
Procedure to Reclaim Custody:
Person who surrendered the child may reclaim custody within 14 days of the surrender.
Department of Children and Family Services verifies identity of person, conducts assessment of person’s circumstances and ability to parent, and requests Juvenile Court to dismiss petition for dependency and order release of the child, if none of the conditions described in Section 319 exist.
Child qualifies to be adjudged a dependent child of the court if not reclaimed within 14 days.

15. Frequently Asked Questions
Which babies may be relinquished?
Child must be less than 72 hours old.
Who may relinquish a baby?
Parent or other person having lawful custody
Must voluntarily surrender custody of the child to Safe Surrender Site personnel
What are the incentives for a person to a relinquish baby at a Safe Surrender Site?
Protection from liability:
Immune from prosecution

16. Frequently Asked Questions (continued)
Who can accept a Safely Surrendered newborn?
Any employee on duty at:
A public or private hospital emergency room or staffed fire station
Any additional location designated by the Board of Supervisors
Is the Safely Surrendered Site protected from liability for its actions?
Yes. No person or entity that accepts a surrendered child will be subject to civil, criminal, or administrative liability for good faith acts

17. Solano County’s Safely Surrendered Baby Campaign Ad

18. In Solano County, no one ever has to abandon a child again.